History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent — Niccolo Machiavelli — John Shaqi
History of Florence and of the Affairs of Italy: From the Earliest Times to the Death of Lorenzo the Magnificent
Niccolo Machiavelli · en
The invasion of the Turks had deferred the war which was about to break
forth from the anger of the pope and the Venetians at the peace between
the Florentines and the king. But as the beginning of that invasion was
unexpected and beneficial, its conclusion was equally unlooked for and
injurious; for Mahomet dying suddenly, dissensions arose among his sons,
and the forces which were in Puglia being abandoned by their commander,
surrendered Otranto to the king. The fears which restrained the pope and
the Venetians being thus removed, everyone became apprehensive of new
troubles. On the one hand, was the league of the pope and the Venetians,
and with them the Genoese, Siennese, and other minor powers; on the
other, the Florentines, the king, and the duke, with whom were the
Bolognese and many princes. The Venetians wished to become lords of
Ferrara, and thought they were justified by circumstances in making
the attempt, and hoping for a favorable result. Their differences arose
thus: the marquis of Ferrara affirmed he was under no obligation to
take salt from the Venetians, or to admit their governor; the terms of
convention between them declaring, that after seventy years, the city
was to be free from both impositions. The Venetians replied, that so
long as he held the Polesine, he was bound to receive their salt
and their governor. The marquis refusing his consent, the Venetians
considered themselves justified in taking arms, and that the present
moment offered a suitable opportunity; for the pope was indignant
against the Florentines and the king; and to attach the pope still
further, the Count Girolamo, who was then at Venice, was received with
all possible respect; first admitted to the privileges of a citizen,
and then raised to the rank of a senator, the highest distinctions the
Venetian senate can confer. To prepare for the war, they levied new
taxes, and appointed to the command of the forces, Roberto da San
Severino, who being offended with Lodovico, governor of Milan, fled to
Tortona, whence, after occasioning some disturbances, he went to Genoa,
and while there, was sent for by the Venetians, and placed at the head
of their troops.